TOPBOX MARCH 2013 REGULAR BOX!

Finally getting around to posting what I received in the March 2013 Topbox!
Better to post this late than never. I'm finding I have too many samples to try, but with the elimination of Glossybox and the implosion of Glymm- this is the only "beauty box" I am receiving at the moment.

I signed up to receive the regular Topbox. Most of the prive ones have not interested me as much so far.

March 2013 Topbox!

Here is what was in the regular/standard Topbox:



*Aveda Caribean Therapy body cream: sample size 25ml tube, value $5.25/full size 200ml $42.00
With the name Caribean Therapy I am expecting this cream to smell like a tropical island getaway. The cream contains "mango, cocoa butter and warm island aromas" according to the Topbox description.
Upon first smelling this cream I think it smells like lavender or more floral- kind of like when you walk by an Aveda store and they have all those aromatherapy scents going on.
This cream is a bit more floral that tropical to me. It still smells very nice and absorbs quite well.

*L'Oreal Professionel Mythic Oil: sample size 3ml glass vial, value .75 cents. (2 samples included so $1.50 total value)/ full size 125ml bottle, value $26.
I will try this later today and report back. So many of the beauty box companies send hair oils and serums that it would take me weeks if not more to try them all out....

*MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask: "sample" size full size!!! One sheet mask (23g), value $4.99. Sold on Topbox.ca at $4.99 per single mask or else a package of 4 masks for $19.
This mask was formulated in Canada and produced in Korea.
Sheet masks have been quite popular in Asian countries for quite a few years. My sister who has traveled to some Asian countries always brings me back some sheet masks from other countries.
Topbox has sent out a MaskerAide mask before in another formula- this time it was Weather Warior.
The mask left my face feeling refreshed and very hydrated- I would use this mask again!
This mask would be perfect to take on a vacation or after a long day outdoors.
The packaging is cute, the mask feels great- I just wish it was a bit cheaper as I would use it all the time.

*Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush eau de parfum: sample size 4ml tube, value $6.00/ full size 50ml $79 and 100ml $105.00.
I am usually not a fan of floral perfumes and was not sure what to expect from this.
Recently I had a very bad experience with a perfume oil  sample made from essential oils and that left me not wanting to try any new scents. Whatever I had tried made me feel like throwing up and gave me a headache.

March 2013 Topbox Infocard!

Anyway, I tried the Vera Wang Lovestruck and it smelled so nice and light like being outdoors in the sun.
This is one sample I will be using up- not sure if I will buy it as I have to use up some of my collection first.

My overall thoughts on the March 2013 Topbox:

The mix of samples is great t o take on vacation-you have a face mask, hair oil, body cream and a perfume for your travel bag! It would have been nicer if the hair oil was a bigger sample and the perfume had a spray top as I seem to spill it quite easily.

Did you get this Topbox? What did you think of the products?

Topbox benefit Prive Box Feb 2013 WHAT A GREAT FUN BOX!!!

I really should have written about the Feb box much sooner.....
But being overloaded with mail (and a wrist injury) kind of stopped me from blogging lately.
Now onto my review:

The Feb Tobox gave a choice of the regular box or a Prive box that consisted of one brand's items. benefit (yes that is how it is written) was one of the choices and what I received.

Here is the cute info card that was sent- and seeing this is benefit, how could it not be cute??!!

Front of Infocard!

Feb 2013 Topbox Card!

*There was also a "red envelope" sent with this package.
In Asian cultures this usually signifies a special gift or is used for giving money at special occasions. I will reveal at the end what was in my red envelope......

What I received in the Feb 2013 Topbox:

*POREfessional balm: sample size 7.5ml, value $12
I really like the name of this balm, it makes the product look really fun and catchy!
The instructions state you can use this under your makeup to make it go on more smoothly and last longer or else to pat on top of makeup to minimize the look of your pores.
So far I tried this under my makeup as a "primer" and my foundation did last longer and go on more smoothly. I like that the product is light beige, so almost anyone can use it.
Now to remember to use this over my makeup to see how that works...

*Total Moisture Facial Cream: sample size 8.9grams or 0.3oz, value $9.00
The moisturizer comes in a cute little glass jar that is a mini of the original product. This is supposed to be for normal to dry skin. I'll have to report back on how this works for me.

POREfessional and Total Moisture

*Benetint: sample size 2.5ml, value $7.20
This is a lip and cheek stain that is liquid and applied with a brush like the ones for nail polish.
The description states this is rose tinted- it is also rose scented. If you dislike the scent of roses this product might not be for you.
I like that there is no shimmer in this product and it is quite easy to use. Not too much else to add about this product.

benetint and Dandelion Gloss and Powder!

*Dandelion Gloss and Powder: sample size powder 3.00grams, value $18.00/ lipgloss sample size 6.5ml, value $8.00!

These samples came very nicely packaged and in very generous sizes- I am quite impressed.
Still need to try them out though.

Dandelion Gloss and Powder!

Bonus item!!

In the red envelope was a cardboard "swipe" sample of the new Fine One One cheek and lip brightener!
This is just one of those samples that is "printed" on a card and covered with a plastic sheet where you use your fingers to apply the product.
I do like these as they are portable and hygenic and do not have people's germs all over them like store testers.
Fine On e One had a bit of a powdery finish on me and the final product had to be blended quite well or you can risk having "neon cheeks' and it can look a bit strange.
On my lips I hated this product as I could not get it to apply smoothly- and my lips are never dry. It just looked  in like a bad neon mess.

Fine One One bonus sample!

Overall I think Fine One One is ok for cheeks but will not be buying the full size. It might be better to try this product in store before committing to buying.

Topbox Prive edition Clinique skincare and cosmetics January 2013!

Better to be posting this late than never- I just did not get around to posting about the first Prive edition of the Topbox.
If you are not familiar with Topbox, it is a monthly subscription service where you receive 4 or 5 deluxe samples by mail for the cost of $12 per month.
The new Prive feature allows you to have the choice of the regular mystery Topbox or else a box that is curated by a specific brand.
The box that everyone got in January was with an assortment of Clinique skincare and cosmetics.
I am not that thrilled by Clinique products as I have been using quite a few of them for a few years, so not much was really new to me in this box.
That is not really Topbox's fault- even tnough they could have maybe sent out some survey to see who already uses Clinique items.

Here is the info card that came in my Topbox:

eWhat I received in my Clinique Prive Topbox:

*Clarifying lotion 3 in combination/oily: sample size 30ml, value $3.00.
This sample size is decent and should last at least a week. It is somewhat drying as there is alcohol in it. For normal skin this can be quite drying. This does feel very refreshing to use during the summer though.
Not too much else to say about this toner at the moment, but I do like the Acne Solutions toner with the powder in it better...

*Rinse Off Eye Makeup Solvent: sample size 60ml, value $12.50.
This is a very generous size for the eye makeup "solvent" and is half the full size!!!
 I am low on what I am using now, so this will come in handy. I have used this before and did like it.
Really great that this is fragrance free as my eyes are quite sensitive and I do not use fragranced eye products.

*Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Strawberry Fudge: sample size 1.6 grams, value $15.
I really like the presentation of these sample eye shadows, it looks almost like the regular size and had me fooled for a minuted until I read the back (full size is 2.5 grams).
The shadow applies very smoothly and has a nice shimmer that is not overpowering.

Strawberry is a light pink shade with some gold in it, while fudge is a medium brown with shimmer in it as well. This duo could be used by many skin tones as it is quite easy to use.
The swatch I did is indoors under some fluorescent lighting without a flash.

*Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle: sample size 7ml, value $16.00
This sample seems neat and is probably enough to use for a week.
But I do not have any sun damage (did that fancy computer scan at the derm :) and do not have any wrinkles,so this is a sample that I will pass along to a family member who can use it.

Contents of Jan 2013 Prive Topbox!

What did I think about this box:

Overall this box was not so exiting for myself, but I am sure that many people have never tried Clinique before. I'm always surprised to hear this as they are one of the companies that sells one of their famous yellow moisturizer every second (or something like that).
The only thing that I think was missing from this box was a lip gloss or a chubby stick- I was really hoping to try more lip products and hear so much about clinique lipgloss that I was really hoping for one in this "box".
I am still quite pleased with this Topbox, just not exited about it!

Did you receive the January Topbox?
What Clinique item do you like best?

March 2013 Seasonsbox review!

This is the beginning of my review for the March 2013 Seasonsbox.
It will be updated as soon as possible, but this is what I received:

SEASONSBOX FEB 2013 REVIEW!

I had put off reviewing my first Seasonsbox as there was quite a few things I needed to catch up on.
Before I knew it, I have already gotten my third Seasonsbox and really need to start blogging more about the lovely contents that were received.If you are not familiar with Seasonsbox, it is a subscription service where each month your receive a package that contains "environmentally conscious" products and you are supposed to receive 3-5 items according to the site description.
So far the boxes have had 4 items each and a very good variety of items that I think anyone would enjoy.

Here is what the Febuary 2013 Seasonsbox looks like before it was opened:

Feb 2013 Seasonsbox. Love the bow and packaging!

The info card that describes the contents of the box:

Info card. Love the logo and graphics!

Other side of info card!

Now for the contents of the Feb 2013 Seasonsbox:

Nicely packaged and colour coordinated!

GLYMM.COM OUT OF BUSINESS! GOT EMAIL- THANKS FOR STEALING MY MONEY!

FINALLY......SOME NEWS ABOUT GLYMM.COM
After waiting a month for an "update" to their Facebook status about a supposed "newsletter" that never came and no response by email.
I received a email that Glymm.com is no longer operational.
Some warning signs were a very late Feb sample bag, non-receipt of my March bag, no April bag either.

Also, I made a $140 store purchase two weeks ago and got absolutely no info or email response about my order. I had ordered a bunch of Vilainess soaps whips and scrubs for gifts and for myself.
I'm sure the "Glymm store" knew they were going under- yet it is ok to STEAL MY MONEY AND PROVIDE NO PRODUCT??
I did contact my credit card about this and was told I have up to 12 weeks to receive the items and can not file a claim until then.
But the worst would have to be that Glymm charged people for services in May earlier this week, when they knew they were going out of business.
Is that not STEALING!?
Here is the email they sent me:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from Glymm
Hide Details
From
GLYMM.COM
From: GLYMM.COM news@glymmgroup.com
To
prettytastyreviews
Goodbye from Glymm
We have had an amazing time with you all along our journey to living a life more beautiful.

After sending you so many beautiful boxes, from jelly beans to lollipops, from lipstick to nail polish, we are sad to say that our journey with you has come to an end.

We have been unable to continue serving you as the company simply could not sustain itself. After lots of effort to continue to send you outstanding products and services, we have been left with no other choice but to close our beautiful company. We thank our dedicated and talented team and our valued members who have given us nothing but love along the way.
The whole Glymm team worked around the clock to continuously introduce you to the newest and latest in Beauty from all over the world.


Thank you for being part of a life more beautiful and we hope that you continue to find beauty in all that you see.

With love and sincerity,

The Glymm Team
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALLY??
"They" can not even sign their real person names?
I guess that "Glymm" does not want people to know who the company founders are?
Well, it is a bit too late for that- there was an article in Maclean's magazine with the founder's name.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/05/16/the-booming-business-of-beauty-boxes/


Also from LinkedIn public profiles there was the founder's contact info and where else to contact them.
Here is what I found out:

Glymm Co-founder : Paul Fournier

* E-Commerce director at Mackage clothing in Montreal

Mackage phone: 1-866-973-5287  or (514) 388-5287

the phone extension for his voicemail is #124 , but when I spoke to the receptionist? I was told he was on vacation (I did not mention anything about Glymm, just asked if paul fournier was there......).
The Facerbook for Glymm has now been deleted, so this is one of the few places that this info can now be found as I had saved in on some paper in a notebook.

The one thing I re-learned from this is to always print your store orders and confirmations and you never know when they could dissapear online and that a paper copy is needed!

Topbox December 2012 contents!

Time really flies!

I keep putting off updating my blog and did not realize that I still had a few Topboxes to review.
Part of the reason for not updating was due to a wrist injury and not being able to type as much.
That means there is quite a lot of catching up to do.........

TOPBOX DECEMBER 2012!

Contents of my December 2012 Topbox:

Chloe: Eau de Parfum (5ml deluxe size, value.........../Full size 50ml $90)
I am not really into floral perfumes and this is quite strong and well, flowery smelling.
Have not really used this perfume enough to comment much more on it at the moment.

Ferro Cosmetics: Ultimate HD Foundation (1 gram size?, value.....................)
Not too sure what the exact size of the jar is as it is not stated. One thing I did not like is that there is no sifter with this small jar and that makes it harder to use as the container is 1" in size.
The jar label states that this is foundation, concealer and powder in one and a matte finish.
The colour Honey Creme is perfect for my skin and I am usually a medium beige in most makeup.
The coverage was also very good. I would purchase this makeup in the future and hope to try more from this brand.
I also liked that the sample did come in a jar as most mineral samples I get come in small zip top bags and are much harder to use.

Murad  AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: (sample 30ml tube, value $6/ full size 200ml, $35)
I really like this cleanser! It left my skin feeling smooth and clean, yet not dry like some other AHA products.
This is a great travel size too. I will have to use this a bit more and report back.

Goldwell: Hot Form Spray: (sample size 30ml spray bottle, value $4.50/full size 150ml, $20.95)
Goldwell is a really good salon line. I've bought many of their products in the past (and used to buy their hair colour at the salon supply store).
I do not really heat style my hair much (esp w a wrist injury) and have not had the chance to use this yet.
Maybe I'll try it out on my bangs as it is the only part of my hair I use a hot brush on.

TOPBOX DEC 2012 INFO CARD!

My thoughts on the December 2012 Topbox:
Overall I thougdht this was a pretty good Topbox. There was an item in each category-face,hair,skin and  to body. Seeing as it was a December box and the festive holiday season I did expect something a bit fancier or maybe something sparkly?
But the travel size cleanser and hot spray should come in handy for going away on holidays, while the perfume can be put in my bag to use during the day or whenever.
I'm still quite pleased with Topbox and plan on keeping my subscription!